Dear C-Brats,
As some of you may have noticed, I have deleted my previous post in this thread. That post was made in haste and when I type/say things in a hurry, they don't always come out the way they should. So, here is a more thoughtfully considered response, using most the same words but much lighter on the sarcasm.
First, I am deeply sorry for both my previous post in this thread and my use of the photos in the identified advertising without specific permission from the owners. I apologize to any I have offended with either action. As of right now, I do not know of anyone who I had not been in some contact with, but this will go easier if we assume I posted a picture without permission.
As I noted in my earlier, clumsy post, when we were new to this site and C-Dory sale, we asked if there were any members who would allow us to use their pictures at a boat show. We were new dealers and the factory pictures were pretty bland. The outpouring of support was enormous. We were sent CD Roms, etc. While the original request was for a boat show, many people sent photos with fairly generic statements that at least implied they were happy for us to use their photos to promote C-Dory. Somewhat similar statements were made on this site in that earlier thread. We did use some of those photos in the boat show and at the time, we did acknowledge the C-Brat site.
That was about 2 years ago and my memory faded a bit. Given that initial response and my recollection of how supportive people were with regards to promoting "C-Doryism", I made the mistake of believing that it was OK to use photos from this site in more general advertising of the boat. I recognize now that I was very wrong in making that assumption. As I noted previously, I did this on my own as an employee and the Owners of Y-Landing Marina don't know or understand that I was potentially violating copyright with my use of these photos. To tell you the truth, until this thread, I didn't know either. So for that I am very sorry.
I can assure you that neither I nor Y-Landing marina will make the same mistake again and if we use photos from members of this site, those photos will be used with the explicit permission of the member who took the photo and under terms agreed upon with the member. I still believe at this time that we had permission, however unspecific, for the photos we've used. It is obvious that is not enough and the corrected requests are being sent out starting today. I really didn't know. So far we have not rec'd any complaints, but this was quite the wake-up call. I still wish it had been handled in a different way, but these posts are open for a reason, and the msg was rec'd loud and clear!
To the excellent photographers and Brats who have supported us in the past, and who I hope will continue to support us in the future THANK YOU.
To all the Brats, I again apologize and promise we will do better in the future.
Fair Winds!
John
Y-Landing